The Problem: Due to an insufficient weld, the rear shocks may detach from the vehicle at one end and possibly damage other chassis components or the tire, or result in reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

The Fix: Chrysler will begin notifying owners this month, and dealers will inspect the rear shocks and replace any affected ones for free.

What Owners Should Do: Owners can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov for more info.

This is going to get ugly. I am just not sure if it is deserved by the way Hemi V8 kept posting other brands recall. Either way it will probably be pointless bashing.

Posted by: AD | Aug 22, 2014 7:53:26 AM

RAM is never going to be a reliable truck. Never. They can make them pretty and fancy and blingy, but good luck getting one to last past 60,000 miles. Oh and the resale value is laughable at best.

Posted by: Robert | Aug 22, 2014 8:02:25 AM

Bob

My 08 ram has 60,000+. It's had one recall and never left me stranded. I bought it in September 08 for a touch over 25,000. It kbb's for a touch over 19,000. That is one hellva resale if you ask me.

Slow your ignorance.

My question, is this a supplier issue (welds on shocks or axel) or is this a Chrysler issue (body mount)? My guess, like most of Chrysler recalls these days is a supplier issue.

Posted by: Th | Aug 22, 2014 8:16:13 AM

Robert nailed it. Flashy colors, huge incentives, and "unique" options snare the low information buyer, but fundamentally, they are poorly built vehicles. There is a reason corporate ownership has been passed around like a cheap whore.

Posted by: Dav | Aug 22, 2014 9:00:22 AM

@Th,
"I bought it in September 08 for a touch over 25,000. It kbb's for a touch over 19,000"

Do you expect us to believe this? LOL

Posted by: Gregory J. | Aug 22, 2014 9:01:59 AM

@AD

Yeah, this will probably get ugly which is why I tend to try and stear clear of any manufacturers recall articles regardless of how many times Hemi V8 likes to post his recall crap. Although I do think it is funny that when it is a Ram recall he prides them for taking care of it, but then turns around and bashes everyone else for their recalls.

Posted by: ALL1 | Aug 22, 2014 9:11:07 AM

Certain models of Ram are among the longest lasting trucks out there, and also have great resale value.

Leave it to the Ford and GM fanbois to try to put a spin on the truth.

Posted by: Ram Cummins | Aug 22, 2014 9:48:35 AM

Ram still has a long way to go to catch up to GM in recalls. Ram sold 224,000+ Ram 1500's last year. I'm sure they'll top that this year. 12,600 Ram 1500's is a small amount.

Posted by: Dale Milner | Aug 22, 2014 10:30:05 AM

Ram is stepping up and taking care of business and making sure their trucks are taken care of and are no danger to the public. Great job, Ram.

Posted by: HEMI MAN | Aug 22, 2014 10:34:08 AM

12,600 is for THIS recall, not all of them they've had. Nice try at spinning that though. If you enjoy your truck with car-like suspension, fine. Don't tell me it's the best though when it had the worst payload and towing rating. If I wanted a grocery getter I would have bought one, and a reliable one that that.

Posted by: Robert | Aug 22, 2014 10:41:10 AM

Here's a concept: stop bashing each other brands for a change.

Behave like men instead of fan boys.

Posted by: mackintire | Aug 22, 2014 11:11:25 AM

HEMI MAN you REALLY need to work in marketing.

Note "Not telemarketing"

Posted by: mackintire | Aug 22, 2014 11:12:37 AM

@TH and everyone who time to time say "well it was a suppliers fault". And in some cases, a bad design will make a part prone to failures. Again the mfg owns that.

WHO is responsible for final testing AND inspections before they get sold??? The mgf's are! Soooo in the end in this recall only blame Chrysler/Ram/Fiat!

This is a shock supplier problem which RAM takes care of and will replace the effected ones for free. It's not a design flaw. I don't see nothing wrong what RAM is doing in here.

Posted by: zviera | Aug 22, 2014 11:59:38 AM

Not a shock supplier problem. It's a problem with a weld on the mount that holds the shock to the truck. This is a Ram welding defect.

Posted by: Tyler | Aug 22, 2014 12:18:19 PM

This is a shock supplier problem which RAM takes care of and will replace the effected ones for free. It's not a design flaw. I don't see nothing wrong what RAM is doing in here.

Posted by: zviera | Aug 22, 2014 11:59:38 AM

I agree.

GUTS
GLORY
RAM!

Posted by: HEMI | Aug 22, 2014 12:22:14 PM

@Tyler
You are wrong.

The Problem: Due to an insufficient weld, the rear shocks may detach from the vehicle at one end and possibly damage other chassis components or the tire, or result in reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

The Fix: Chrysler will begin notifying owners this month, and dealers will inspect the rear shocks and replace any affected ones for free.

RAM couldn't fix this problem by replacing just shocks ,if is it a weld at shock bracket at RAM chassis, like you saying.

It's insufficient weld at the rear shock between cylinder or piston and mounting ring with rubber bushing.

If you ever hold a rear shock in your hands, you would know what I am talking about.

The investigation is a blow to GM’s hopes to draw a line under a series of recalls over technical faults in its cars hat caused at least 13 deaths over a decade.

The WSJ said the investigation, which is being led by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office in Manhattan, is focusing on the question of whether GM’s lawyers knew that the ignition switches were faulty but failed to tell regulators. It said the probe is at an early stage and may not result in any charges. It also quoted GM as saying it is cooperating with the investigation.

The issue was identified by a supplier. Chrysler Group says it knows of no injuries, accidents or complaints related to the issue.

The company says the problem is that, due to an insufficient weld, the rear shocks might detach from the vehicle at one end and possibly damage other chassis components or the tire, or result in reduced braking ability -- any of which would increase the risk of a crash.

Chrysler estimates 21.760 vehicles are involved: 14,300 in the U.S., 5,300 in Canada, 160 in Mexico and 2,000 elsewhere.

Chrysler plans to begin notifying owners this month, and dealers will inspect the rear shocks and replace any affected ones for free.

Reuters) - Ford Motor Co has told its dealers to stop test-driving and selling C-Max and Focus models produced during a week this month because of potential problems with the steering gear assembly, a notice sent to dealers on Wednesday shows.

A Ford spokeswoman said Thursday that none of the affected vehicles were sold to customers and that 32 were on dealer lots. The rest of the 616 vehicles that may have the steering gear defect are in transit to dealers, Ford said Thursday afternoon, when it confirmed that it is recalling those vehicles.

Some C-Max and Focus models built at the Michigan Assembly Plant outside of Detroit from Aug. 8-15 may not have enough ball bearings in the steering gear assembly, the notice to dealers obtained by Reuters said.

"This condition can result in deformation and degradation of the remaining ball bearings, which can lead to impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash," Ford said Thursday afternoon.

Ford said 502 of the recalled vehicles are in transit to U.S. dealers, 108 are going to Canada, and six to U.S. federalized territories.

Dealers will replace the steering gear before selling the vehicles, Ford said.

I would show you my purchase agreement, but I can't. So, Look back at what trucks were selling for in 2008. Remember how GM and Chrysler where going through bk. now go to kbb.com and run an 08 ram 1500 bighorn fully loaded and see what is comes back as.

Do research before posting bs. You just showed yourself to be a very ignorant person.

Posted by: Th | Aug 22, 2014 12:51:19 PM

I traded in my 2008 Ram Big Horn and got 16,000 dollars for it. Not bad for a 6 year old truck.

I got 5,000 off the price of my 2014 ram and 16,000 dollars in trade so I walked out the door after tax tag and title for 11,997 dollars.

@ Hemi ... Ford breaking news recall c-Mac Focus.
Rest of story...
"Ford spokeswoman said on Thursday that none of the affected vehicles were sold to customers and that fewer than 50 were on U.S. dealer lots. Some C-Max and Focus models built at the Michigan Assembly Plant outside Detroit from Aug. 8 to Aug. 15"

Fewer than 50 on lots. wow
Can't get to much better response than that..
Way to go Ford!!! to phrase to ram folks.

BUY AND RAM AND FEEL THE BANG OF LOOSE NUTS ON THE DIFFERENTIAL INSTALLED BUY DRUNK HIGH RAM WORKERS!

FEEL THE BANG FROM THIER NEW MADE IN CHINA SHOCKS

GUTS

GLORY

BANG BANG BANG BANG

CHINA RAMS!

Posted by: RAMMED | Aug 22, 2014 2:58:42 PM

2017 Ram revisioned
by David Zatz • Posted on August 22, 2014

Artist suzq044 has provided an alternative view of what the 2017 Ram may look like. This refresh will counter new F-150s.

The trucks will almost certainly include the V6 engine upgrade, might include the rumored 5.7 Hemi V8 upgrade, and are likely to have more high-strength steel and aluminum to cut weight.

The 2017 Ram is also likely to have aerodynamic improvements to increase highway mileage. Lessons learned from the systems approach to cutting parasitic losses on Ram HFE may be spread throughout the line, as well.

Ram might expand their wheelbase, a significant change, to help their handling and ride. We also suspect a new tailgate setup, based on patent applications, perhaps standard on higher-end models and optional on others, as RamBox is.

The 2017 Ram will have a tougher time of it than the current model, with GM and Ford both having eight and ten speed transmissions by then, and most likely competing with small diesels in Chevy, Ford, and Nissan pickups. It may well be time for Ram to pull a rabbit out of their hat — and the current crop of engineers and leaders might be able to do it.

Posted by: HEMI RAM | Aug 22, 2014 2:59:49 PM

@RAMMED,

In 2017, Ram, from the bottom of my heart, is going to be bringing you the noise,

Let's not get carried away with Ram 2017 news - when a company sold so few pickups like Dodge/Ram did, any success will be magnified to the extreme. What has not been factored in now is how Ram will do going against strong competition next year? What looked amazing earlier in the year at 20% sales growth will look absolutely normal with 5% growth. If Ram pulls double digits again next year, that is the news story, but the company is merely getting volume it lost during the bankruptcy. The good news for Ram is that Government Motors has punted the full-sized truck segment with its lukewarm full-sized lineup so Ram has a chance to become second to Ford in brand sales - I know GM fans like to add Chevrolet and GMC together, but it is a sales gimmick, not substance.

It sounds like most of you Ram lovers forgot that Chrysler was also Government Motors. Now they are owned by a money losing cheap car manufacturer that will more then likely be bankrupt in the next five years.

Posted by: greg | Aug 22, 2014 3:55:37 PM

FLASHBACK: Ram touts aluminum

Stronger, lighter metals in the new aluminum hood of all 2013 Rams save about 26 pounds, and the upper and lower control arms in the independent front suspension also are made from aluminum.

See they did care about aluminum and weight loss on their pickup trucks. But now a couple years later Ram has to act like they aren't sure because Ford and GM has confirmed they are going all in on aluminum bodies.

Just like Ram promoted that Ram trucks didn't need expensive DEF fluid. Now the 2014 Ram uses 3x's as much DEF and you do not hear a word from Ram. I'm sure the body will be the same. Ram will promote steel bodies (with aluminum hoods) until the full redesign comes. Then in 2020 Ram will loudly say they have the most aluminum and "better" aluminum than Ford or GM. Carbon fiber control arms, yada, yada, yada.

Posted by: chris | Aug 22, 2014 4:27:52 PM

The only reason Ram says they don't know about aluminum is because they have to wait for the full redesign and Ram's full redesign is 6 years after Ford and 3 years after GM.

Posted by: chris | Aug 22, 2014 4:34:33 PM

GET A NEW CHINA RAM TODAY SO YOU CAN HEAR IT GO BANG BANG BANG BANG ALL DAY FROM CHEAPO PARTS PUT ON BY DRUNK HIGH RAMTARDS!

Learn to debate with good information, then we might be able to have a decent debate.

Opinions are good, but if they are only your view to support the UAW, then how good are they. Look at what you guys have done to Detroit.

Terror tactics (union tactics) don't work on me.

If PUTC wants the UAW or whatever to control this site I suppose it's their decision.

It's not kids like I've been told by PUTC.

Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Aug 22, 2014 5:23:20 PM

@zvirus
What do you know about the construction of struts, dampers and shock absorbers? Little?

Tell me where on a shock absorber there is a weld? There are only a couple of places. They are where the tube and the shock absorber ends are joined.

What kind of loads would a at most 1/2" shock absorber shaft withstand. That is where you are stating the fail is.

I do believe is the shock absorber is detaching and failing would be at the vehicle side of business not the shock absorber.

What is most probable is the shock absorber extension dimension is to short. The shock bottoms out loading the shock absorber mounting bracket to the axle.

Continuous loading and unloading forces on the bracket will eventually cause a failure or the brackets weakest point, which would be the bracket.

So, I do think Fiat/Ram have an issue. The issue is if to total extension of the rear axle is "X" dimension and they order shock absorbers with an extension 1/2" less than required the shock absorber assembly will fail somewhere.

It did, at it's weakest point which happens to be a Fiat issue, not a supplier issue. Unless the supplier provided shocks with inadequate extension.

Posted by: Big Al from Oz | Aug 22, 2014 5:36:47 PM

frame brackets should rust off in 15 years not snap off when new. you can weld it all you want it will snap again. and thats just the first one. all the welds on the whole frame are probably shitty and not up to the specs they should be. but thats why you can buy one for 10k off they know what they are selling.

Posted by: brandon d | Aug 22, 2014 6:02:56 PM

@Bafo
I explained clearly which weld it is and where it is located at the shock.
RAM is replacing shocks, if needs to be , after inspection. Nothing else.
This is how that weld at the rear shock looks like. It is the weakest point.

Everybody's looking for the perfect truck
Where you could have everything your heart desires
The perfect buyer will meet the perfect truck
And the perfect RAM will set the world on fire

Well what you gonna do, when Ram has one recall
And a vision of the future is impossible to see
Nobody's perfect, not even a perfect fool like you
If you'll have faith in RAM
I'll keep faith with you

Ain't no livin' in a perfect RAM
There ain't no perfect TRUCK anyway
Ain't no livin' in a perfect RAM
But we'll keep on dreamin' of livin' for a perfect TRUCK
Keep on dreamin' of livin' in a perfect RAM in 2020